Hando called-up for SES Disaster Challenge

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have put their rescue skills, teamwork and decision-making to the test during the annual Disaster Rescue Challenge, held in Parkes on 28 February and 1 March.

The two-day event brought together more than 90 participants from across the Southern, South Eastern and Western Zones, alongside a visiting Queensland SES contingent.

Out of the NSW zones and Queensland SES, four teams competed which were Cowra, Tumut, Sutton and Queensland.

Parkes' very own Matt Hando who is a dual member of both the Forbes and Parkes Units competed with team Tumut after one of the original members had to pull out just a few days before the challenge.

Matt met some of his team members for the first time on the first day of the event.

Parkes and Forbes SES reported they were proud of the way Matt worked with the Tumut team as they competed through the challenges to claim the runners-up title.

One of the scenarios SES teams had to compete in was a structure collapse where they had to rescue individuals trapped. Pictured are team Tumut with Parkes' Matt Hando. PHOTO: NSW SES

Ron Lynch and Michael Burke came to Parkes for the SES Disaster Rescue Challenge from Albury.

Cowra SES members Mark Appleby, Scott Burtkeys, Nathan Elsley and Joanne Haughton competed in the SES Disaster Rescue Challenge in Parkes. PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock

Team Cowra included SES members from Bathurst SES.

Team Sutton placed first in the competition with Forbes SES member Michael Axiak (back left).

Scott Burtkeys keeps the individual calm in the rescue from heighs scenario.

Joanne Haughton attends to the hurt individual in the rescue from heights scenario.

Team Tumut will now progress to represent their zone at the NSW SES State Disaster Rescue Challenge in July alongside team Sutton who won the challenge in Parkes with Forbes SES member Michael Axiak.

The Disaster Rescue Challenge is designed to replicate real emergency conditions.

In Parkes, the challenge saw teams rotate through a series of complex, high-pressure scenarios.

Exercises included severe weather response activities such as structural collapse and confined-space style rescues, mechanical lifting and stabilisation techniques, multi-level urban search operations, and casualty care under time pressure.

The scenarios reflect the diverse incidents NSW SES volunteers respond to across the state, from severe storms and land searches to complex rescue operations requiring strong communication, situational awareness and safe decision-making.

NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said the challenge plays an important role in strengthening operational readiness.

“Disaster Rescue Challenges allow our volunteers to practice their skills in realistic environments that mirror the pressures of real emergency situations,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.

“Training like this ensures our members continue to build capability, support one another and remain ready to assist their communities when it matters most.”

Adding to the realism, trained volunteers acted as casualties using professional injury simulation techniques, creating dynamic rescue environments that required teams to assess risk, communicate effectively and work safely under pressure.

NSW SES Southern Zone Commander, Chief Superintendent Ben Pickup said scenario-based training helps volunteers build confidence before facing real-world emergencies.

“These exercises give our members the opportunity to problem-solve together and apply their training in challenging and unpredictable situations,” Chief Superintendent Pickup said.

“Practising in a controlled environment helps build the confidence and experience our volunteers rely on during real incidents.”

The Disaster Rescue Challenge forms part of a statewide capability-building program designed to strengthen SES skills across multiple rescue disciplines, including land search and rescue, vertical rescue, leadership and first aid.